Coming ahead of his debut album, ‘My Name Is Daniel Leek’, on the 17th of July, ‘Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing’, from Brennan Gilmore, may defy precise genre classification, but it brings with it a beauty and authenticity that is much needed in this crazy mixed up world.
It’s not just Gilmore’s music that defies categorisation: his whole life is one of shifting between aspects such as music, diplomacy, activism, and social exchange. But these lived experiences are what makes his sound so unique, and on upcoming album, ‘My Name Is Daniel Leek’, he takes it all and fuses it with the traditions of both Appalachia and Arab music, coming together to become his own, a folksy, bluegrassy, Americana-y style.
Originally from Rockbridge County, Virginia, Gilmore entered the US Foreign Service, early on, in pursuit of the life experiences he felt his songwriting required. It was a valid decision, and formed the basic narrative and emotional depth that his album required.
New single, ‘Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing’ brings with it a folky sound that lulls the listener before they realise the sheer impact of the lyrics. Singing of the pointlessness of borders, that they’re all made up, and that when it comes down to it, we’re all the same underneath the colour of our skin, and no matter where we’re from, or our socio-economic status. Lyrically the track is like an updated version of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’, while sonically it calls back to the protest songs of Woody Guthrie.
Gilmore’s vocals are pure and ardent, his passion for his subject matter is evident in every word. Accompanied on – I want to say lute? Or maybe it’s a mandolin? – he’s joined by a female vocalist whose sweet voice matches him note for note. It’s impossible to listen to this track just the once, and each time the song plays, I notice different things – the gentle way with which the instrumentation opens, leading to the echoing of Gilmore’s vocals, adding extra emphasis to the lyrics. It’s as sobering as it’s awe-inspiring.
Listen to ‘Why There’s Something Rather Than Nothing’ below. ‘My Name Is Daniel Leek’ is set for release on the 17th of July, via Concordia Discors Recordings.
You can find out more about Brennan Gilmore and his music online on Instagram, and his official website
My Name is Daniel Leek releases 17 of July, via Concordia Discors Recordings
